NEW YORK STATE INTERSTATE COUNCIL PRESENTS AT THE NYSCOSS
Submitted by Dr. Debra Jackson, Compact Commissioner, New York State
New York has 732 school districts, rural, urban, large and small. Military impacted areas include Fort Drum and West Point, however there are military impacted students in districts throughout the state. While New York was the last state to adopt the Interstate Compact, placing it into statute in August 2014, it continues to make great strides in alleviating issues surrounding educational transitions for military dependents. The New York State Interstate Compact Council members are continually seeking to increase awareness of the Compact throughout the state. Often district leaders learn about the Compact when a military family first registers, thus being proactive is key to helping with military-connected student transitions. New York has two SLO’s statewide, and 732 Districts, the NYS Council members are extremely active in spreading the mission and vision of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commissioner (MIC3).
At a recent meeting New York State council members discussed new ways to increase the awareness and two members, Dr. Frank Sheboy and Mr. Stephen Todd, mentioned presenting at the Superintendents’ Fall Leadership Summit. The Fall Summit is an annual meeting by the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS). The meeting provides "sessions by national experts in the fields of leadership, education, and related areas; opportunities for members to share best practices with colleagues through smaller sessions; discussions with the Commissioner of Education about New York State issues and initiatives; and networking for support and collegiality among members through social interaction, group discussions, meetings and workshops.”
The proposal written by Dr. Sheboy and Mr. Todd was accepted as a “Sunrise Breakfast Session” and was featured in the conference brochure. The NYSCOSS waived the conference registration fee for the Interstate Council presenters, which is typically required of presenters. MIC3 provided handouts and materials to share. NYSED provided copies of the New York State Q&A (which was developed by the NYS Council members) and the updated Regent’s regulations to guide the superintendents about the requirements. The Interstate Council members greatly appreciated the support of NYSCOSS, MIC3, and NYSED, all who made this possible.
Ms. Marybeth Casey, Director Office of Curriculum Services at NYSED and I jointly presented the session. Participants were able to enjoy breakfast, freely ask questions, and discuss the regulations with their colleagues. Ms. Casey shared her new initiative, email blasts to guidance counselors, principals, and district leaders, which will include information on the Compact guidelines as reminders to school personnel. This is yet another communication effort by the NYS Compact council members.
The Fall Summit meeting is key for all New York State superintendents, so materials and links to MIC3 and NYSED were provided for those who were unable to attend the session and NYCOSS offered to include an article on the Interstate Compact in their upcoming newsletter. Getting the word out is part of the responsibility of all states to ensure our families have seamless transitions.
The New York State Council of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children continues to discuss ways to be proactive in spreading the mission and vision of MIC3. Thank you to Ms. Casey, Dr. Sheboy and Mr. Todd for all the great effort in presenting at NYSCOSS.